Stress is a common factor of life for everyone; regardless of age, education, abundant or scarce resources, etc. Nothing or no one can remove stress from our lives entirely or permanently. Lately, there seems to be a fresh stress hell every few days that can disturb our inner peace; but only if we allow it to do so.
By now you should know that you only ‘retired’ from your previous work. And that whatever you choose to do now, be it work (paid or unpaid), the pursuit of pleasure via travel or activities you enjoy, or spending time with your tribe regularly; you did not retire from life. This means that as long as you are engaged in life, there is an open door for stress to enter. Again, only if we allow it to.
Not all stress is bad though. The impending birth of a grandchild, or prepping for a cruise can bring on ‘good stress’. Good stress is founded in excitement, even joy over the anticipation of a welcome event or experience.
Conversely, ‘bad stress’ comes in the form of negativity or problems, usually with finances or relationships. If these turn into on-going problems such as the daily cost of living, or family issues like substance abuse, and left unmanaged, stress can affect your physical health. Uncontrolled stress contributes to many health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
The American Institute of Stress recommends 4 steps to help reduce and cope with the stressors of everyday life:
- Avoid. Put distance between you and the thing that stresses you. Learn to say no to people and situations that annoy or irritate you, like checking your stock portfolio daily.
- Alter. Clearly communicate your expectations to people so that they know how you feel about a situation. Using “I” statements, say how you feel, and relay your limitations. For example: “I only have 5 minutes to talk.”
- Accept. When you have no control over a stressful situation, acceptance can help ease stress. Speak with someone about your feelings. Call a friend, relative, or schedule an appointment with a therapist. Forgive yourself or others. Forgiveness is vital to acceptance of a stressful situation and permits you to move forward.
- Adapt. Change and modify your expectations of stressful situations. Don’t expect or strive for perfection. Instead, make reasonable efforts in your daily life to accomplish tasks. Dinner can be a green salad with a protein rather than a 3 course meal that takes hours to prepare. Remember to focus on the positive aspects of your life, and express gratitude daily. Things could always be worse.
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature nor do the children of men experience it as a whole. Avoiding danger in the long run is no more safer than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. – Helen Keller
In closing . . .
Keller’s words serve as a reminder that change is constant and that life isn’t stress free. Think about this: Wouldn’t life be boring if everyday, everything and everyone was the same? We just have to learn to manage the bad stuff. Oh, and remember to breathe!
You got this!
Happily yours,
Arnette Travis
